Among the many things for which the administration of Donald J. Trump is being scrutinized is whether it will seek a major shift in federal policy on marijuana – and, if so, in which direction.

It was one of a host of issues on which Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) drew sometimes hostile questioning in January 10-11 Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on his nomination as Attorney General. Long regarded as a staunch foe of marijuana legalization, Sessions left advocates of changes somewhat puzzled as to his intentions.

Jeff Sessions Questioned on Federal Marijuana Enforcement

The committee’s top Democrat, Sen. Patrick Leahy (VT), asked Sessions if he intended to use the federal ban on marijuana to prosecute medical or recreational users in states which permit such use. (The Obama Department of Justice, in its so-called Cole memo of 2013, issued guidelines spelling out conditions under which federal prosecutors should give low-priority to enforcement actions against marijuana use complying with state laws, absent additional aggravating factors, but stopped short of disclaiming intent to enforce the federal ban on marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act.)

In reply, Sessions said he saw some of the previous administration’s guidelines as “truly valuable” for evaluating cases, especially in light of limited resources available for enforcers. But he added he wouldn’t “commit to never enforcing” the federal law on marijuana.

Questioned by a panel Republican, Sen. Mike Lee (UT), on federalism issues when states take positions inconsistent with federal law, Sessions suggested that if Congress no longer wants a nationwide ban on marijuana, it should pass legislation to amend or reverse it, since it’s not the Attorney General’s job to “decide what laws to enforce.”

The largest pro-marijuana group, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) – which is urging opposition to his nomination, and last year handed Sessions one of only 16 “F” grades it gave senators for their legislative positions during the recently ended Congress – read Sessions’ performance at his confirmation hearings as indicating the glass was half-empty, since he “failed to give a straight answer.”

But what Sessions didn’t say, along with remarks by Sean Spicer, the chief Trump spokesman, made another pot legalization group, the Marijuana Policy Project, guardedly more optimistic, calling it “notable” the nominee “chose not to commit” to vigorous enforcement of the federal law making marijuana nationwide. The group also pointed to comments by Trump spokesman Sean Spicer, who noted the prospective Attorney General knew his job called for him to take his lead from the new president-elect, rather than from his personal preferences.

What Can We Infer About a Trump Marijuana Policy?

Even so, that leaves unanswered precisely what views President Trump holds on the subject. Spokesman Spicer says Trump has clearly stated he backs states’ right to set their own policies on marijuana, but — years before becoming a candidate — Trump had spoken broadly in favor of legalizing and taxing all drugs, with the revenue devoted to drug education programs. Later, in a Nevada rally in 2015, he advocated leaving marijuana to be regulated state-by-state. In February 2016, on Bill O’Reilly’s Fox TV show, Trump pronounced himself “100%” in favor of medical marijuana, claiming he had seen people who benefitted from it, but he stopped short of endorsing legalizing recreational marijuana, saying Colorado’s experience had shown “a lot of problems.”

The client was charged with driving while impaired by drugs. We showed the DA’s office the client suffered from hyperkalemia, a medical condition caused by an elevated level of potassium which can cause fatigue, lethargy and confusion. All charges were dismissed.

Client was charged with Robbery in the Second Degree. He was with a friend who robbed a person sitting in a parked car. We were able to show the DA’s office that our client had no knowledge of his friends intent. We were able to get the felony reduced to a Disorderly Conduct which is a non criminal offense.

Client was charged with Criminal Posession of a Weapon and was facing a minimum of three and one half years. During an evidentiary hearing we were able to show that the police confuted an illegal search the gun was suppressed and the charge was dismissed.

Client was charged with Grand Larceny. It was her 7th arrest during the previous 10 years. The DA’s office was not offering a reduced charge and was requesting jail time. We got the client involved in a work and parenting program and were able to secure a plea to a misdemeanor without jail or probation.

Client was charged with Unlawful Surveilence. After his plea of guilty it was a discretionary decision to be made by the court as to weather he had to register as a sex offender. Through our efforts we were able to have him sentenced without having to register.

Client Testimonials

"I can’t thank Scott enough for helping me. I had never been arrested before and found myself in the middle of a nightmare. I was arrested for and charged with criminal Mischief in the Third degree which is a class E Felony. Scott was first able to get the charge reduced to a misdemeanor. He was then able to see that the case was completely dismissed."

T.T.Charged with Felony Assault and Criminal Mischief in Queens County

"Scott Limmer is a very knowledgeable Nassau County NY lawyer and has been extremely helpful to me and my family over 8 months of court. He knows how to handle the ADA and his tenacity has been untiring. The quality of his work is in the ending of the case, with justice being served and correct. We are very fortunate and thankful to have found Scott Limmer to represent us. Thank you Scott and God Bless"

F.L.Arrested for Robbery in the Second Degree in Nassau County

"Scott Limmer is a man of his word and an attorney with integrity above reproach. When one needs a criminal attorney it is usually the most harrowing time of your life. Scott Limmer makes a horrible situation easier. He speaks in layman’s terms and explains your situation every step of the way. He keeps the costs to a minimum and delivers beyond expectations. I would recommend choosing Scott Limmer as your attorney hands down."

A.O.Arrested for Suffolk County Felony

"I was arrested for a felony Mr. Limmer would not agree to any of the offered plea bargains. He was able to get the case dismissed. I can’t thank him enough for his hard work and professionalism."

D.D.Arrested for Falsifying Business Record in the First Degree in Nassau

"Scott helped me thru a very difficult 20 months of navigating thru the Nassau county legal system. His advice was on the money from the start to the end. Amicable, tenacious and knowledgeable, just some of the words to describe him…In the end I credit his guidance in helping me get the just court decision…But then again he knew the outcome….thanks Scott…we remain in touch to this day and my case was over almost two years ago…"

T.C.Arrested for Assault in the Third Degree in Nassau County

"Helped me thoroughly with all my traffic dealings. He is my go to guy for my company. Scott is the best."